Color golf ball

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed a golf ball comprising a core of at least one layer, a cover of at least one layer and optionally at least one intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover, wherein at least one of the core, cover and intermediate layer comprises a color effect providing pigment comprising at least one of: (1) calcium aluminum borosilicate coated with a metal oxide; (2) silicon dioxide platelets coated with metal oxide; and (3) an iron oxide pigment substrate coated with a metal oxide. The color effect providing pigment may have a particle size of from about 5 μm to about 200 μm. In one embodiment, the layer or surface coating comprising the color effect providing pigment further comprises at least one of a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, an ionomer material, and a highly neutralized polymer material.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/972, 709, filed Dec. 20, 2010, which is acontinuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.No.12/359,619, filed Jan. 26, 2009, now U.S. Publ. No. 20090137343,which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/707,493, filed on Feb. 16, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,722,483, each ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to golf balls incorporating coloreffects pigments, dyes and/or tints in at least one of the core, anintermediate layer, inner cover layer, outer cover layer and a coating.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Golf balls, whether of solid or wound construction, generally include acore and a cover. It is known in the art to modify the properties of aconventional solid ball by altering the typical single layer core andsingle cover layer construction to provide a ball having at least onemantle layer disposed between the cover and the core. The core may besolid or liquid-filled, and may be formed of a single layer or one ormore layers. Covers, in addition to cores, may also be formed of one ormore layers. These multi-layer cores and covers are sometimes known as“dual core” and “dual cover” golf balls, respectively. Additionally,many golf balls contain one or more intermediate layers that can be ofsolid construction or may be formed of a tensioned elastomeric winding,which are referred to as wound balls. One piece golf balls are evenavailable. The difference in play characteristics resulting from thesedifferent types of constructions can be quite significant. The playingcharacteristics of multi-layer balls, such as spin and compression, canbe tailored by varying the properties of one or more of theseintermediate and/or cover layers.

Moreover, color and color effects in a golf ball, being dominant visualfeatures, are also capable of positively contributing to and enhancing agolfer's game by improving the player's ability to focus on the golfball when swinging a club and striking the ball. It is desirable that agolfer's eye be drawn to the ball easily. By keeping an eye on the ball,the golfer is able to remain focused on the immediate task at hand ofmaintaining hand-eye coordination and producing great balance duringswing with consistent spine angle in order for the club face to strikethe golf ball with just the right force, depending on the chosen cluband desired distance. In this way, a golf ball's unique visualappearance can influence and improve the golfer's physical performancesubstantially.

Meanwhile, golf balls that are attractive and exude superior qualitywill also boost a golfer's confidence and morale, thereby motivating,inspiring and ultimately peaking performance on the green. Additionally,visually superior golf balls may be spotted and located more easily onthe golf course, thereby reducing a player's stress level whichnaturally translates into improved scores. Accordingly, golf ballmanufacturers desire to incorporate color shades and color effects ingolf balls which will beneficially impact and improve both the physicaland emotional/psychological aspects of a golfer's game.

Toward this end, manufacturers have incorporated color effects such asoptically variable pigments in golf balls. Examples include golf ballsincorporating metal-oxide coated mica based pigments, metal-oxide coatedaluminum oxide platelets and metal-oxide coated silica plateletsinvolving interference, reflection and absorption phenomena. But thereremains a need for a golf ball whose colors and color effects appearequally elegant, attractive and captivating to the human eye under thewide range of different lighting and/or weather conditions which occuron the green. The present invention addresses and solves this problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a golf ball incorporating color effects whichprovide a consistent, dominant, vibrant, appealing and focusing visualappearance on the green through a unique combination of interference andreflection between the color effect's components under visible light.Specifically, the golf ball of the invention comprises a core of atleast one layer, a cover of at least one layer and optionally at leastone intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover, whereinat least one of the core, cover and intermediate layer comprises a coloreffect providing pigment comprising at least one of: (1) calciumaluminum borosilicate coated with a metal oxide; (2) silicon dioxideplatelets coated with metal oxide; and (3) an iron oxide pigmentsubstrate coated with a metal oxide. A golf ball incorporating such acolor effect maintains an equally attractive and elegant appearance tothe human eye no matter what time of day a game is played or what theweather conditions may be.

In another embodiment, the golf ball comprises a core of at least onelayer, a cover comprising an inner cover layer and an outer cover layerand optionally at least one intermediate layer disposed between the coreand the cover. The inner cover layer may comprise or be surface-coatedwith an effect or luster pigment which contributes to the colorappearance of the ball and comprises at least one of: (1) calciumaluminum borosilicate coated with a metal oxide; (2) silicon dioxideplatelets coated with metal oxide; and (3) an iron oxide pigmentsubstrate coated with a metal oxide. In this embodiment, the outer coverlayer is at least partially transparent.

In yet another embodiment, the golf ball of the invention comprises acore of at least one layer; a cover of at least one layer; optionally atleast one intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover;and a paint layer on a surface of at least one of the core, cover andintermediate layer. The paint layer comprises a color effect providingpigment comprising at least one of: (1) calcium aluminum borosilicatecoated with a metal oxide; (2) silicon dioxide platelets coated withmetal oxide; and (3) an iron oxide pigment substrate coated with a metaloxide.

In one embodiment, the core and/or core surface comprises the coloreffect providing pigment. In another embodiment, an intermediate layerand/or intermediate layer surface comprises the color effect providingpigment and the cover is at least partially translucent or transparent.In yet another embodiment, the cover and/or cover surface comprises thecolor effect providing pigment. Any or all of golf ball core,intermediate layer and cover/cover layer may comprise or be treated withand comprise the color effect providing pigment or even be coated withthe color effect providing pigment.

The color effect providing pigment includes a first color effect coatedon a substrate to produce a second color effect that differs from thefirst color effect. For example, a pigment substrate having first andsecond substantially parallel and planar surfaces may be coated with aneffects pigment. When the color effect providing pigment is incorporatedin a golf ball's substantially spherical cover surface or cover surfacecoating, an optimized dominant visual presence on the green is achievedunder visible light (between about 380 nm and about 770 nm or betweenabout 400 nm and about 700 nm).

A golf ball of the invention may incorporate metal oxide coated ironplatelets such as Variocrom® Magic Purple L 5520, available from BASF.Such effect pigments offer “angle-dependent color plays” and “pronouncedcolor travel ranging from purple via orange to a shade of gold”. SeeBASF literature and brochures. A golf ball of the invention may alsoinclude metal oxide coated calcium borosilicate such as Mirival® orXirona®, available from Merck. Mirival® “produces glittering highlights,outstanding sparkle, high brilliance and gloss, very high transparencyand a unique rainbow effect”. See Merck literature and brochures. Xirona“gives a special travel effect from red to copper to gold, which changesdepending on the viewing angel”. See Merck literature and brochures. Thecolor is “shiny gold when viewed from a flat angle and changes to clear,fiery red as the viewing angle increases”. See Merck literature andbrochures. It may create a glitter effect. See Merck literature andbrochures. Silicon dioxide platelets coated with metal oxide such asMerck's Colorstream® create “color-travel iredescent interferenceeffects” and “unique multi-colored effects” which “can be seen well insubdued lighting conditions” and “create a soft flowing transition fromone color to the next”. See Merck Colorstream® literature and brochures.

Golf balls of the invention display a particularly dramatic and vibrantappearance due to a unique interplay between the color effect'scomponents under visible light. Interference and reflection create anunprecedented and superior appearance for the generally spherical golfball notwithstanding the particular lighting conditions on the golfcourse.

In a golf ball of the invention, the color effect providing pigmentdescribed above may have particle sizes of from about 5 μm to about 200μm, or from about 10 μm to about 100 μm, or from about 5 μm to about 50μm, or from about Sum to about 20 μm, or from about 10 μm to about 50μm, or from about 10 μm to about 20 μm, or from about 20 μm to about 200μm, or from about 15 μm to about 20 μm, or from about 5 μm to about 11μm.

Suitable metal oxides include, without limitation, silicon dioxide,aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, zirconium dioxide, tin dioxide, zincoxide, iron oxide as well as any other metal oxides commonly known.

The color effect providing pigment may be incorporated in a layer or bea coating/painting on a golf ball component/layer or even comprise aprinting ink composition selectively applied on the golf ball to conveya logo or other visible design or message, etc.

The color effect pigment may be incorporated in the core only, inintermediate/mantle layer only, in the cover only, or in any or allthereof.

Where the color effect pigment is incorporated in the golf ball as acoating, the coating may be applied on one or more of the coreintermediate/mantle layer and cover. Also, the golf ball may onlyinclude one or more of the disclosed color effect providing pigments.

In the present invention, a golf ball incorporating these color effectsdisplay colors which are identifiable under at least one of severalknown color systems. Some of the colors displayed may be identifiable inthe CIELAB (1976) color space—wherein color is defined under only onelighting condition or illuminant, namely D65.

Alternatively, many color effects displayed by such golf balls of theinvention may be identifiable under color systems such as the CIECAMcolor system which consider, address or account for how changing stimulion the green will affect a golfer's visual perception of color.

This color appearance model takes into account the effect of varyingviewing conditions on the human eye's perception of golf ball colorshades and assesses which colors a golfers will visually perceive mostfavorably under a wide range of golf course viewing conditions. SeeFIG. 1. A golfer's perception of some color shades will varyconsiderably with changed viewing conditions. For example, the time ofday that a golf game is played may vary the viewing conditions as it isusually much brighter during a game played in the midday sun than oneplayed at dusk. Another factor which may affect viewing conditions isweather—on a sunny day, the human golfer's eye will perceive some golfball color shades differently than on an overcast or even rainy day.Meanwhile, the color of the background against which the golf ball lies(e.g., teeing ground versus on fairway, rough or hazard) will change howthe golfer's eye perceives some golf ball color shades.

The golf ball manufacturer can accurately predict how the average golferwill perceive a specific overall golf ball color shade under differentviewing conditions by incorporating color effects which fall within theCIE CIECAM color appearance model in golf balls of the invention, sincethis system was developed based on human perception. In this way, itbecomes possible for a golf ball manufacturer to identify andincorporate into a golf ball only those color effects shades which aremost likely to produce the least variance in a golfer's perception ofcolor in response to the expected changes to stimuli on the golf courseand therefore be most appealing to the golfer's eye under a variety ofviewing circumstances.

In one embodiment, the layer comprising the color effect providingpigment further comprises a thermoplastic material. In anotherembodiment, the layer comprising the color effect providing pigmentfurther comprises a thermoset material. In yet another embodiment, thelayer comprising the color effect providing pigment further comprises anionomer material. In still another embodiment, the layer comprising thecolor effect providing pigment further comprises a highly neutralizedpolymer material. The layer comprising the color effect providingpigment may comprise any of these elements, alone or in combination.

In one embodiment the golf ball further comprises at least one of apigment, dye and tint that is fluorescent. The pigment, dye or tint maybe inorganic or organic.

The cover may further comprise particulate material selected from thegroup comprising metal flake, iridescent glitter, metalized film andcolored polyester foil. The cover may also incorporate traditionaleffect pigments. The cover may further comprise a material which is atleast partially transparent, translucent or pearlescent. At least one ofthe cover and the intermediate layer may further comprise a materialwhich is at least partially transparent, translucent or pearlescent.

The layer comprising the color effect providing pigment may have aMooney viscosity of from about 30 to about 130.

The overall golf ball may have a compression of from about 25 to about110. In one embodiment, the overall golf ball has a compression of fromabout 25 to about 110. In another embodiment, the overall golf ball hasa compression of from about 35 to about 100. In yet another embodiment,the overall golf ball has a compression of from about 45 to about 95. Instill another embodiment, the compression may be from about 55 to about85, or from about 65 to about 75. Meanwhile, the compression may also befrom about 50 to about 110, or from about 60 to about 100, or from about70 to about 90, or even from about 80 to about 110.

Generally, the overall golf ball coefficient of restitution (COR) is atleast about 0.780. In another embodiment, the overall golf ball COR isat least about 0.788. In yet another embodiment, the overall golf ballCOR is at least about 0.791. In still another embodiment, the overallgolf ball COR is at least about 0.794. Also, the overall golf ball CORmay be at least about 0.797. The overall golf ball COR may even be atleast about 0.800, or at least about 0.803, or at least about 0.812.

The moment of inertia for a golf ball of the invention may be from about0.410 oz-in² to about 0.470 oz-in². The moment of inertia for a onepiece ball that is 1.62 ounces and 1.68 inches in diameter may beapproximately 0.4572 oz-in², which is the baseline moment of inertiavalue.

In one embodiment, the layer comprising the color effect providingpigment has a moisture vapor transmission rate of from about 0.45 gramsmm/m² day to about 1.5 grams·mm/m² day. In another embodiment, the layercomprising the color effect providing pigment has a moisture vaportransmission rate of about 0.95 grams mm/m² day or greater.

The invention also relates to a method of making the inventive golfballs. In one embodiment, the method of making the golf ball of theinvention comprises: providing a core, a cover layer and optionally anintermediate layer, wherein at least one of the core, cover layer andintermediate layer comprises or is surface-coated with a color effectproviding pigment comprising at least one of: (1) calcium aluminumborosilicate coated with a metal oxide; (2) silicon dioxide plateletscoated with metal oxide; and (3) an iron oxide pigment substrate coatedwith a metal oxide; optionally forming the intermediate layer about thecore; and forming the cover either about the intermediate layer or thecore to complete the golf ball.

In another embodiment, the method of making a golf ball of the inventioncomprises: providing a core of at least one layer; providing a covercomprising an inner cover layer that either comprises or is surfacecoated and an outer cover layer; optionally providing at least oneintermediate layer; wherein the inner cover layer either comprises or issurface coated with an effect or luster pigment which contributes to thecolor appearance of the ball and the outer cover layer is at leastpartially transparent; said effect or luster pigment comprising at leastone of: (1) calcium aluminum borosilicate coated with a metal oxide; (2)silicon dioxide platelets coated with metal oxide; and (3) an iron oxidepigment substrate coated with a metal oxide; forming the inner coverlayer about the core; and forming the outer cover layer about the innercover layer to complete the golf ball.

In yet another embodiment, the method of making a golf ball of theinvention comprises: providing a core of at least one layer, a cover ofat least one layer, and optionally at least one intermediate layer;wherein at least one of the core, intermediate layer and cover issurface-painted with a color effect providing pigment comprising atleast one of: (1) calcium aluminum borosilicate coated with a metaloxide; (2) silicon dioxide platelets coated with metal oxide; and (3) aniron oxide pigment substrate coated with a metal oxide; forming theintermediate layer about the core; and forming the cover about theintermediate layer to complete the golf ball.

In still another embodiment, the method of making a golf ball of theinvention comprises: providing a core of at least one layer, a cover ofat least one layer, and optionally at least one intermediate layer;surface painting at least one of the core, intermediate layer and coverwith a color effect providing pigment comprising at least one of: (1)calcium aluminum borosilicate coated with a metal oxide; (2) silicondioxide platelets coated with metal oxide; and (3) an iron oxide pigmentsubstrate coated with a metal oxide; forming the intermediate layerabout the core; and forming the cover about the intermediate layer tocomplete the golf ball.

Herein, the term “pigment” refers to any vehicle or means forcontributing color and/or color effects to the golf ball.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a CIECAM hue circle as described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising at least acore or a multi-piece core and a cover. The cover may comprise atranslucent or transparent material that can be cast, injection molded,compression molded or reaction injection molded over a golf ballprecursor or subassembly. Additionally, the cover comprises a pluralityof dimples on its surface. The golf ball may also comprise anintermediate layer between the core and the cover. As taught in parentU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/707,493 (published as US2007/0149323), which has been incorporated by reference in entirety, thecover may comprise a substantially optically transparent or translucentmaterial, so that the intermediate layer or core contributes to thecolor characteristics of the ball. The intermediate layer or core may bewhite, transparent or translucent, colored, or may have a multi-coloredpattern. The intermediate layer may be opaque, transparent ortranslucent, or be white or comprise one or more colors. The cover maybe translucent and may comprise an amount of pigment or dye, creating acolored but translucent cover under which the intermediate or outer corelayer is visible. In this embodiment, the intermediate layer, which canbe an outer core layer, may be colored or may comprise a pattern that isvisible through the translucent outer cover. The intermediate or outercore layer may also be printed with indicia or other markings that maybe viewed through the clear or translucent cover. The cover may alsocomprise an amount of reflective particulates to create a pearlescent orsparkle effect.

As previously stated herein, in one embodiment, the golf ball of theinvention may have the overall appearance of at least one color withinthe CIECAM color model. Under the CIECAM model, J represents thelightness of a color and varies from 0 (or black) to 100 (or white). Cor Chroma represents the intensity of the color, which may range from 0(or neutral) to 81-95 or greater. The color being very intense tosupersaturated. The diagram set forth in FIG. 1 represents the CIECAMhue circle and displays the hue angle for each color beginning at O°(a+) and moving counterclockwise around the CIECAM hue circle. Forexample, in the CIECAM hue circle of FIG. 1, “violet red” appears atapproximately 12° on the wheel below.

On the CIECAM hue circle of FIG. 1, measurements from center(or black)to each of a+, a− and b+ or b− range from 0-100 horizontally andvertically, respectively. Accordingly, for example, the a, b values for“violet red” located in the hue wheel below at about hue angle 12° wouldbe about a+=about 80 and b+=about 80. The hue circle of FIG. 1 is aspresented at www.handprint.com© Bruce MacEvoy. Bruce MacEvoy measuredand plotted the relationship of watercolor pigments on the CIECAMa_(c)b_(c) chroma based hue plane.

Herein, the term “color” constitutes the color of the overall finishedgolf ball as perceived by the golfer. Thus, in a golf ball of theinvention, the intermediate layer and/or cover layer may each contributeto the final overall color appearance. For example, the intermediatelayer may contribute a red color and the cover layer may contribute ablue color to form a golf ball which a golfer perceives as a violetcolor golf ball as defined within the CIECAM color model. Alternatively,the intermediate layer may contribute a blue color and the cover layermay contribute a red color to form a golf ball which a golfer perceivesas a purple golf ball as defined within the CIECAM color model withinthe parameter disclosed herein. In a different embodiment, theintermediate layer may contributes a shade 1 violet and the cover layermay contribute a shade 2 violet to form a golf ball which a golferperceives as a shade 3 violet as defined within the CIECAM color modelparameters disclosed herein. Meanwhile, either the intermediate layer orcover layer may solely contribute a violet color or pink color to thefinal overall golf ball color appearance. And the overall color of agolf ball of the invention may simultaneously appear to be severalcolors depending on the viewing angle and the lighting conditions forexample.

In one embodiment, present invention is directed to a golf ballcomprising color shades which the golfer will perceive most favorablyirrespective of changed viewing conditions. The golf ball of theinvention incorporates color shades into a golf ball according to acolor model which accounts for/considers a human's varied perception ofcolor shades according to certain expected changes to the stimuli, suchas the weather changing from sunny to cloudy, or the golfer playing atdifferent times of day, or the golf ball being struck on differentcolored playing surfaces.

The CIECAM color appearance model which developed based on humanperception and permits the golf ball manufacturer to accurately predicthow the average golfer will perceive a specific golf ball color shadeunder different conditions. In this way, it becomes possible for thegolf ball manufacturer to identify and incorporate into a golf ball onlythose color shades which remain most visually desirable to the golferunder a wide range of changed viewing conditions as well as are mostlikely to produce the least variance in a golfer's perception of colorin response to the expected changes to stimuli on the golf course.

The golf ball of the invention incorporates colors taking into accountthe tristimulus values (X, Y and Z) of the stimulus, its background, itssurround, the adapting stimulus, the luminance level, and other factorssuch as cognitive discounting of the luminant. The model includescorrelates for perceptual attributes including brightness, lightness,colorfulness, chroma, saturation and hue.

Meanwhile, golf balls of the invention may also have the overall colorappearance of a color within the CIE LAB color model or any other colormodel known in the golf ball art, as different effects may be achievedby choosing one color model over another, depending on the overallimpression which the golf ball manufacturer wishes to convey on thegreen.

Golf balls made in accordance with this invention can be of any size,although the USGA requires that golf balls used in competition have adiameter of at least 1.68 inches and a weight of no greater than 1.62ounces. For play outside of USGA competition, the golf balls can havesmaller diameters and be heavier.

The core may be a wound core, which is visible through the clear ortranslucent cover.

The uneven surface of the wound core creates a unique visual effect, asthe crevices and ledges created by the wound elastomeric material createshadows visible through the clear or translucent cover. An intermediatelayer may be disposed around the wound core. In this instance, theintermediate layer is visible through the clear or translucent cover andmay be white, colored, or comprise multiple colors as disclosed hereinin various patterns.

The cores in golf balls manufactured by the process of this inventionmay be solid, semi-solid, hollow, fluid-filled, or powder-filled.Typically, the cores are solid and made from rubber compositionscontaining at least a base rubber, free-radical initiator agent,cross-linking co-agent, and fillers. Golf balls having variousconstructions may be made in accordance with this invention. Forexample, golf balls having three-piece, four-piece, and five-piececonstructions with dual or three-layered cores and cover materials maybe made The term, “layer” as used herein means generally any sphericalportion of the golf ball. More particularly, in one version, athree-piece golf ball comprising a core and a “dual-cover” is made. Inanother version, a four-piece golf ball comprising a dual-core and“dual-cover” is made. The dual-core includes an inner core (center) andsurrounding outer core layer. The dual-cover includes inner cover andouter cover layers. In yet another construction, a five-piece golf ballhaving a dual-core, intermediate layer, and dual-cover is made. In stillanother embodiment, a four piece golf ball comprises a core and a threelayer cover.

As used herein, the term, “intermediate layer” means a layer of the balldisposed between the core and cover. The intermediate layer may beconsidered an outer core layer, or inner cover layer, or any other layerdisposed between the inner core and outer cover of the ball. Theintermediate layer also may be referred to as a casing or mantle layer.The diameter and thickness of the different layers along with propertiessuch as hardness and compression may vary depending upon theconstruction and desired playing performance properties of the golf balland as specified herein.

The core of the golf ball may comprise a polybutadiene rubber material.In one embodiment, the ball contains a single core formed of thepolybutadiene rubber composition. In a second embodiment, the ballcontains a dual-core comprising an inner core (center) and surroundingouter core layer. In yet another version, the golf ball contains amulti-layered core comprising an inner core, intermediate core layer,and outer core layer.

In general, polybutadiene is a homopolymer of 1,3-butadiene. The doublebonds in the 1,3-butadiene monomer are attacked by catalysts to grow thepolymer chain and form a polybutadiene polymer having a desiredmolecular weight. Any suitable catalyst may be used to synthesize thepolybutadiene rubber depending upon the desired properties. Normally, atransition metal complex (for example, neodymium, nickel, or cobalt) oran alkyl metal such as alkyllithium is used as a catalyst. Othercatalysts include, but are not limited to, aluminum, boron, lithium,titanium, and combinations thereof The catalysts produce polybutadienerubbers having different chemical structures. In a cis-bondconfiguration, the main internal polymer chain of the polybutadieneappears on the same side of the carbon-carbon double bond contained inthe polybutadiene. In a trans-bond configuration, the main internalpolymer chain is on opposite sides of the internal carbon-carbon doublebond in the polybutadiene. The polybutadiene rubber can have variouscombinations of cis- and trans-bond structures. A preferredpolybutadiene rubber has a 1,4cis-bond content of at least 40%,preferably greater than 80%, and more preferably greater than 90%. Ingeneral, polybutadiene rubbers having a high 1,4cis-bond content havehigh tensile strength. The polybutadiene rubber may have a relativelyhigh or low Mooney viscosity.

Examples of commercially available polybutadiene rubbers that can beused in accordance with this invention, include, but are not limited to,BR 01 and BR 1220, available from BST Elastomers of Bangkok, Thailand;SE BR 1220LA and SE BR1203, available from DOW Chemical Co of Midland,Mich.; BUDENE 1207, 1207s, 1208, and 1280 available from Goodyear, Incof Akron, Ohio; BR 01, 51 and 730, available from Japan Synthetic Rubber(JSR) of Tokyo, Japan; BUNA CB 21, CB 22, CB 23, CB 24, CB 25, CB 29MES, CB 60, CB Nd 60, CB 55 NF, CB 70 B, CB KA 8967, and CB 1221,available from Lanxess Corp. of Pittsburgh. Pa.; BR1208, available fromLG Chemical of Seoul, South Korea; UBEPOL BR130B, BR150, BR150B, BR150L,BR230, BR360L, BR710, and VCR617, available from UBE Industries, Ltd. ofTokyo, Japan; EUROPRENE NEOCIS BR 60, INTENE 60 AF and P30AF, andEUROPRENE BR HV80, available from Polimeri Europa of Rome, Italy; AFDENE50 and NEODENE BR40, BR45, BR50 and BR60, available from Karbochem (PTY)Ltd. of Bruma, South Africa; KBR 01, NdBr 40, NdBR-45, NdBr 60, KBR710S, KBR 710H, and KBR 750, available from Kumho Petrochemical Co.,Ltd. Of Seoul, South Korea; DIENE 55NF, 70AC, and 320 AC, available fromFirestone Polymers of Akron, Ohio; and PBR-Nd Group II and Group III,available from Nizhnekamskneftekhim, Inc. of Nizhnekamsk, TartarstanRepublic.

Suitable polybutadiene rubbers for blending with the base rubber mayinclude BUNA® CB22, BUNA® CB23 and BUNA® CB24, BUNA ® 1203G1, 1220,1221, and BUNA ® CBNd-40, commercially available from LANXESSCorporation; BSTE BR-1220 available from BST Elastomers Co. LTD; UBEPOL®360L and UBEPOL® 150L and UBEPOL-BR rubbers, commercially available fromUBE Industries, Ltd. of Tokyo, Japan; Budene 1207, 1208 and 1280,commercially available from Goodyear of Akron, Ohio; SE BR-1220,commercially available from Dow Chemical Company; Europrene® NEOCIS® BR40 and BR 60, commercially available from Polimeri Europa; and BR 01, BR730, BR 735, BR 11, and BR 51, commercially available from JapanSynthetic Rubber Co., Ltd; and KARBOCHEM® Neodene 40, 45, and 60,commercially available from Karbochem.

The base rubber may further include polyisoprene rubber, natural rubber,ethylene-propylene rubber, ethylene-propylene diene rubber,styrene-butadiene rubber, and combinations of two or more thereof.Another preferred base rubber is polybutadiene optionally mixed with oneor more elastomers such as polyisoprene rubber, natural rubber, ethylenepropylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, styrene-butadienerubber, polystyrene elastomers, polyethylene elastomers, polyurethaneelastomers, polyurea elastomers, acrylate rubbers, polyoctenamers,metallocene-catalyzed elastomers, and plastomers. As discussed furtherbelow, highly neutralized acid copolymers (HNPs), as known in the art,also can be used to form the core layer as part of the blend. Suchcompositions will provide increased flexural modulus and toughnessthereby improving the golf ball's performance including its impactdurability. The base rubber typically is mixed with at least onereactive cross-linking co-agent to enhance the hardness of the rubbercomposition. Suitable co-agents include, but are not limited to,unsaturated carboxylic acids and unsaturated vinyl compounds. Apreferred unsaturated vinyl compound is trimethylolpropanetrimethacrylate. The rubber composition is cured using a conventionalcuring process. Suitable curing processes include, for example, peroxidecuring, sulfur curing, high-energy radiation, and combinations thereof.In one embodiment, the base rubber is peroxide cured. Organic peroxidessuitable as free-radical initiators include, for example, dicumylperoxide; n-butyl-4,4-di(t-butylperoxy)valerate;1,1-di(t-butylperoxy)3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane;2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butylperoxy)hexane; di-t-butyl peroxide; di-t-amylperoxide; t-butyl peroxide; t-butyl cumyl peroxide;2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butylperoxy)hexyne-3;di(2-t-butyl-peroxyisopropyl)benzene; dilauroyl peroxide; dibenzoylperoxide; t-butyl hydroperoxide; and combinations thereof Cross-linkingagents are used to cross-link at least a portion of the polymer chainsin the composition. Suitable cross-linking agents include, for example,metal salts of unsaturated carboxylic acids having from 3 to 8 carbonatoms; unsaturated vinyl compounds and polyfunctional monomers (forexample, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate); phenylene bismaleimide;and combinations thereof. In a particular embodiment, the cross-linkingagent is selected from zinc salts of acrylates, diacrylates,methacrylates, and dimethacrylates. In another particular embodiment,the cross-linking agent is zinc diacrylate (“ZDA”). Commerciallyavailable zinc diacrylates include those selected from Cray ValleyResource Innovations Inc. Other elastomers known in the art may also beadded, such as other polybutadiene rubbers, natural rubber, styrenebutadiene rubber, and/or isoprene rubber in order to further modify theproperties of the core. When a mixture of elastomers is used, theamounts of other constituents in the core composition are typicallybased on 100 parts by weight of the total elastomer mixture.

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) may also be used to modify the propertiesof the core layers, or the uncured core layer stock by blending with theuncured rubber. These TPEs include natural or synthetic balata, or hightrans-polyisoprene, high trans-polybutadiene, or any styrenic blockcopolymer, such as styrene ethylene butadiene styrene,styrene-isoprene-styrene, etc., a metallocene or other single-sitecatalyzed polyolefin such as ethylene-octene, or ethylene-butene, orthermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), including copolymers, e.g. withsilicone. Other suitable TPEs for blending with the thermoset rubbers ofthe present invention include PEBAX®, which is believed to comprisepolyether amide copolymers, HYTREL®, which is believed to comprisepolyether ester copolymers, thermoplastic urethane, and KRATON®, whichis believed to comprise styrenic block copolymers elastomers. Any of theTPEs or TPUs above may also contain functionality suitable for grafting,including maleic acid or maleic anhydride. Any of the ThermoplasticVulcanized Rubbers (TPV) such as Santoprene® or Vibram® or ETPV® can beused along with a present invention. In one embodiement, the TPV has athermoplastic as a continuous phase and a cross-linked rubberparticulate as a dispersed (or discontinuous) phase. In anotheremobodiment, the TPV has a cross-linked phase as a continuous phase anda thermoplastic as a dispersed (or discontinuous) phase to providereduced loss in elasticity in order to improve the resiliency of thegolf ball.

The rubber compositions also may contain “soft and fast” agents such asa halogenated organosulfur, organic disulfide, or inorganic disulfidecompounds. Particularly suitable halogenated organosulfur compoundsinclude, but are not limited to, halogenated thiophenols. Preferredorganic sulfur compounds include, but not limited to,pentachlorothiophenol (“PCTP”) and a salt of PCTP. A preferred salt ofPCTP is ZnPCTP. A suitable PCTP is sold by the Struktol Company (Stow,Ohio) under the tradename, A95. ZnPCTP is commercially available fromEchinaChem (San Francisco, Calif.). These compounds also may function ascis-to-trans catalysts to convert some cis bonds in the polybutadiene totrans bonds. Antioxidants also may be added to the rubber compositionsto prevent the breakdown of the elastomers. Other ingredients such asaccelerators (for example, tetra methylthiuram), processing aids, dyesand pigments, wetting agents, surfactants, plasticizers, as well asother additives known in the art may be added to the rubber composition.

The core may be formed by mixing and forming the rubber compositionusing conventional techniques. These cores can be used to make finishedgolf balls by surrounding the core with outer core layer(s),intermediate layer(s), and/or cover materials as discussed furtherbelow. In another embodiment, the cores can be formed using highlyneutralized polymer (HNP) compositions as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,756,436, 7,030,192, 7,402,629, and 7,517,289. The cores from thehighly neutralized polymer compositions can be further cross-linkedusing any free-radical initiation sources including radiation sourcessuch as gamma or electron beam as well as chemical sources such asperoxides and the like.

A cover of the golf ball of the present invention may comprise surfaceoff-sets, or depressions or projections, on its surface. Surfaceoff-sets include dimples and marking other than dimples. For instance,the surface of the translucent cover may comprise depressed logos, text,lines, arcs, circles or polygons. The surface may also comprise raisedprojections in the form of logos, text, lines, arcs, circles orpolygons. The inclusion of such surface off-sets on the translucentcover creates a unique visual effect, as the juxtaposition of thick andthin portions of the translucent cover material creates a “shadow”effect on the opaque surface below the translucent cover.

The cover of the golf ball of the present invention may have a thicknessbetween 0.02 and 0.1 inch. More preferably, the cover has a thicknessbetween 0.02 and 0.08 inches. Most preferably, the cover has a thicknessbetween 0.025 and 0.07 inches. The thickness of the intermediate layermay be between 0.01 and 0.06 inches. More preferably, the intermediatelayer has a thickness between 0.02 and 0.055 inches. Most preferably,the intermediate layer has a thickness between 0.03 and 0.05 inches. Thecore of the golf ball of the present invention may have a diameterbetween 0.5 and 1.62 inches. More preferably, the core has a thicknessbetween 0.8 and 1.61 inches. Most preferably, the core has a thicknessbetween 1.0 and 1.6 inches.

A cover of the present invention may be made from thermoplastic andthermoset materials, including for example polyurethane, polyurea, andionomer resins. In fact, a wide variety of thermoplastic orthermosetting materials can be employed in forming cover layers as wellas the core.

Polyurethane that is useful in the present invention includes thereaction product of polyisocyanate, at least one polyol, and at leastone curing agent. Any polyisocyanate available to one of ordinary skillin the art is suitable for use according to the invention. Exemplarypolyisocyanates include, but are not limited to, 4,4′-diphenylmethanediisocyanate (“MDI”), polymeric MDI, carbodiimide-modified liquid MDI,4,4′-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (“H₁₂MDI”), p-phenylenediisocyanate (“PPDI”), m-phenylene diisocyanate (“MPDI”), toluenediisocyanate (“TDI”), 3,3′-dimethyl-4,4′-biphenylene diisocyanate(“TODI”), isophoronediisocyanate (“IPDI”), hexamethylene diisocyanate(“HDI”), naphthalene diisocyanate (“NDI”); xylene diisocyanate (“XDI”);p-tetramethylxylene diisocyanate (“p-TMXDI”); m-tetramethylxylenediisocyanate (“m-TMXDI”); ethylene diisocyanate;propylene-1,2-diisocyanate; tetramethylene-1,4-diisocyanate; cyclohexyldiisocyanate; 1,6-hexamethylene-diisocyanate (“HDI”);dodecane-1,12-diisocyanate; cyclobutane-1,3-diisocyanate;cyclohexane-1,3-diisocyanate; cyclohexane-1,4-diisocyanate;1-isocyanato-3,3,5-trimethyl-5-isocyanatomethylcyclohexane; methylcyclohexylene diisocyanate; isocyanurate of HDI; triisocyanate of2,4,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexane diisocyanate (“TMDI”), tetracenediisocyanate, napthalene diisocyanate, anthracene diisocyanate, andmixtures thereof. Polyisocyanates are known to those of ordinary skillin the art as having more than one isocyanate group, e.g., di-, tri-,and tetra-isocyanate. The polyisocyanate may include H₁₂MDI, MDI, PPDI,TDI, or a mixture thereof. It should be understood that, as used herein,the term “MDI” includes 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, polymericMDI, carbodiimide-modified liquid MDI, and mixtures thereof and,additionally, that the diisocyanate employed may be “low free monomer,”understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to have lower levels of“free” isocyanate monomer, typically less than about 0.1 percent toabout 0.5 percent free monomer. Examples of “low free monomer”diisocyanates include, but are not limited to Low Free Monomer MDI, LowFree Monomer TDI, Low Free MPDI, and Low Free Monomer PPDI.

The at least one polyisocyanate should have less than about 14 percentunreacted NCO groups. Preferably, the at least one polyisocyanate hasless than about 7.9 percent NCO, more preferably, between about 2.5percent and about 7.8 percent, and most preferably, between about 4percent to about 6.5 percent. In an alternative embodiment, the at leastone polyisocynanate could have more than about 14 percent unreacted NCOgroups, which would be suitable if the golf balls are made by means ofreaction injection molding (RIM).

As used herein, the term “percent NCO” or “% NCO” refers to the percentby weight of free, reactive, and unreacted isocyanate functional groupsin an isocyanate-functional molecule or material. The total formulaweight of all the NCO groups in the molecule or material, divided by itstotal molecular weight, and multiplied by 100, equals the percent NCO.

Any polyol available to one of ordinary skill in the art is suitable foruse according to the invention. Exemplary polyols include, but are notlimited to, polyether polyols, hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene andpartially/fully hydrogenated derivatives, polyester polyols,polycaprolactone polyols, and polycarbonate polyols. In one preferredembodiment, the polyol includes polyether polyol, more preferably thosepolyols that have the generic structure:

where R₁ and R₂ are straight or branched hydrocarbon chains, eachcontaining from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, and n ranges from 1 to about45. Examples include, but are not limited to, polytetramethylene etherglycol, polyethylene propylene glycol, polyoxypropylene glycol, andmixtures thereof. The hydrocarbon chain can have saturated orunsaturated bonds and substituted or unsubstituted aromatic and cyclicgroups. Preferably, the polyol of the present invention includes PTMEG.

In another embodiment, polyester polyols are included in thepolyurethane material of the invention. Preferred polyester polyols havethe generic structure:

where R₁ and R₂ are straight or branched hydrocarbon chains, eachcontaining from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, and n ranges from 1 to about25. Suitable polyester polyols include, but are not limited to,polyethylene adipate glycol, polybutylene adipate glycol, polyethylenepropylene adipate glycol, ortho-phthalate-1,6-hexanediol, and mixturesthereof. The hydrocarbon chain can have saturated or unsaturated bonds,or substituted or unsubstituted aromatic and cyclic groups.

In another embodiment, polycaprolactone polyols are included in thematerials of the invention.

Preferably, any polycaprolactone polyols have the generic structure:

where R₁ is a straight chain or branched hydrocarbon chain containingfrom 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, and n is the chain length and rangesfrom 1 to about 20. Suitable polycaprolactone polyols include, but arenot limited to, 1,6-hexanediol-initiated polycaprolactone, diethyleneglycol initiated polycaprolactone, trimethylol propane initiatedpolycaprolactone, neopentyl glycol initiated polycaprolactone,1,4-butanediol-initiated polycaprolactone, and mixtures thereof. Thehydrocarbon chain can have saturated or unsaturated bonds, orsubstituted or unsubstituted aromatic and cyclic groups.

In yet another embodiment, the polycarbonate polyols are included in thepolyurethane material of the invention. Preferably, any polycarbonatepolyols have the generic structure:

where R₁ is predominantly bisphenol A units -(p-C₆H₄)—C(CH₃)₂-(p-C₆H₄)—or derivatives thereof, and n is the chain length and ranges from 1 toabout 20. Suitable polycarbonates include, but are not limited to,polyphthalate carbonate. The hydrocarbon chain can have saturated orunsaturated bonds, or substituted or unsubstituted aromatic and cyclicgroups. In one embodiment, the molecular weight of the polyol is fromabout 200 to about 4000.

Polyamine curatives are also suitable for use in the polyurethanecomposition of the invention and have been found to improve cut, shear,and impact resistance of the resultant balls. Preferred polyaminecuratives have the general formula:

where n and m each separately have values of 0, 1, 2, or 3, and where Yis ortho-cyclohexyl, meta-cyclohexyl, para-cyclohexyl, ortho-phenylene,meta-phenylene, or para-phenylene, or a combination thereof. Preferredpolyamine curatives include, but are not limited to,3,5-dimethylthio-2,4-toluenediamine and isomers thereof (trade nameETHACURE 100 and/or ETHACURE 100 LC); 3,5-diethyltoluene-2,4-diamine andisomers thereof, such as 3,5-diethyltoluene-2,6-diamine;4,4′-bis-(sec-butylamino)-diphenylmethane;1,4-bis-(sec-butylamino)-benzene, 4,4′-methylene-bis-(2-chloroaniline);4,4′-methylene-bis-(3-chloro-2,6-diethylaniline); trimethyleneglycol-di-p-aminobenzoate; polytetramethyleneoxide-di-p-aminobenzoate;N,N′-dialkyldiamino diphenyl methane; para, para′-methylene dianiline(MDA), m-phenylenediamine (MPDA), 4,4′-methylene-bis-(2-chloroaniline)(MOCA), 4,4′-methylene-bis-(2,6-diethylaniline),4,4′-diamino-3,3′-diethyl-5,5′-dimethyl diphenylmethane,2,2′,3,3′-tetrachloro diamino diphenylmethane,4,4′-methylene-bis-(3-chloro-2,6-diethylaniline), (LONZACURE M-CDEA),trimethylene glycol di-p-aminobenzoate (VERSALINK 740M), and mixturesthereof. Preferably, the curing agent of the present invention includes3,5-dimethylthio-2,4-toluenediamine and isomers thereof, such asETHACURE 300, commercially available from Albermarle Corporation ofBaton Rouge, La. Suitable polyamine curatives, which include bothprimary and secondary amines, preferably have molecular weights rangingfrom about 64 to about 2000. Preferably, n and m, each separately, havevalues of 1, 2, or 3, and preferably, 1 or 2.

At least one of a diol, triol, tetraol, hydroxy-terminated, may be addedto the aforementioned polyurethane composition. Suitablehydroxy-terminated curatives have the following general chemicalstructure:

where n and m each separately have values of 0, 1, 2, or 3, and where Xis ortho-phenylene, meta-phenylene, para-phenylene, ortho-cyclohexyl,meta-cyclohexyl, or para-cyclohexyl, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, nand m, each separately, have values of 1, 2, or 3, and more preferably,1 or 2.

Preferred hydroxy-terminated curatives for use in the present inventioninclude at least one of 1,3-bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzene and1,3-bis-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]benzene, and1,3-bis-{2-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy} benzene; 1,4-butanediol;resorcinol-di-(β-hydroxyethyl)ether; andhydroquinone-di-(β-hydroxyethyl)ether; and mixtures thereof. Preferably,the hydroxy-terminated curatives have molecular weights ranging fromabout 48 to 2000. It should be understood that molecular weight, as usedherein, is the absolute weight average molecular weight and would beunderstood as such by one of ordinary skill in the art. Both thehydroxy-terminated and amine curatives can include one or moresaturated, unsaturated, aromatic, and cyclic groups. Additionally, thehydroxy-terminated and amine curatives can include one or more halogengroups. Suitable diol, triol, and tetraol groups include ethyleneglycol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol,polypropylene glycol, lower molecular weight polytetramethylene etherglycol, and mixtures thereof. The polyurethane composition can be formedwith a blend or mixture of curing agents. If desired, however, thepolyurethane composition may be formed with a single curing agent.

The cover may alternatively comprise polyurea. In one embodiment, thepolyurea prepolymer includes at least one diisocyanate and at least onepolyether amine.

In this aspect of the invention the diisocyanate is preferablysaturated, and can be selected from the group consisting of ethylenediisocyanate; propylene-1,2-diisocyanate; tetramethylene diisocyanate;tetramethylene-1,4-diisocyanate; 1,6-hexamethylene-diisocyanate;octamethylene diisocyanate; decamethylene diisocyanate;2,2,4-trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate; 2,4,4-trimethylhexamethylenediisocyanate; dodecane-1,12-diisocyanate; dicyclohexylmethanediisocyanate; cyclobutane-1,3-diisocyanate;cyclohexane-1,2-diisocyanate; cyclohexane-1,3-diisocyanate;cyclohexane-1,4-diisocyanate; methyl-cyclohexylene diisocyanate;2,4-methylcyclohexane diisocyanate; 2,6-methylcyclohexane diisocyanate;4,4′-dicyclohexyl diisocyanate; 2,4′-dicyclohexyl diisocyanate;1,3,5-cyclohexane triisocyanate; isocyanatomethylcyclohexane isocyanate;1-isocyanato-3,3,5-trimethyl-5-isocyanatomethylcyclohexane;isocyanatoethylcyclohexane isocyanate; bis(isocyanatomethyl)-cyclohexanediisocyanate; 4,4′-bis(isocyanatomethyl)dicyclohexane;2,4′-bis(isocyanatomethyl)dicyclohexane; isophoronediisocyanate;triisocyanate of HDI; triisocyanate of 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexanediisocyanate; 4,4′-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate;2,4-hexahydrotoluene diisocyanate; 2,6-hexahydrotoluene diisocyanate;and mixtures thereof. The saturated diisocyanate is preferably selectedfrom the group consisting of isophoronediisocyanate,4,4′-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate, 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate,or a combination thereof.

In another embodiment, the diisocyanate is an aromatic aliphaticisocyanate selected from the group consisting of meta-tetramethylxylenediisocyanate; para-tetramethylxylene diisocyanate; trimerizedisocyanurate of polyisocyanate; dimerized uredione of polyisocyanate;modified polyisocyanate; and mixtures thereof.

The polyether amine may be selected from the group consisting ofpolytetramethylene ether diamines, polyoxypropylene diamines,poly(ethylene oxide capped oxypropylene)ether diamines,triethyleneglycoldiamines, propylene oxide-based triamines,trimethylolpropane-based triamines, glycerin-based triamines, andmixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the polyether amine has a molecularweight of about 1000 to about 3000.

The curing agent may be selected from the group consisting ofhydroxy-terminated curing agents, amine-terminated curing agents, andmixtures thereof, and preferably has a molecular weight from about 250to about 4000.

In one embodiment, the hydroxy-terminated curing agents are selectedfrom the group consisting of ethylene glycol; diethylene glycol;polyethylene glycol; propylene glycol; 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol;2-methyl-1,4-butanediol; dipropylene glycol; polypropylene glycol;1,2-butanediol; 1,3-butanediol; 1,4-butanediol; 2,3-butanediol;2,3-dimethyl-2,3-butanediol; trimethylolpropane; cyclohexyldimethylol;triisopropanolamine; tetra-(2-hydroxypropyl)-ethylene diamine;diethylene glycol di-(aminopropyl)ether; 1,5-pentanediol;1,6-hexanediol; 1,3-bis-(2-hydroxyethoxy)cyclohexane;1,4-cyclohexyldimethylol;1,3-bis-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]cyclohexane;1,3-bis-{2-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy}cyclohexane;trimethylolpropane; polytetramethylene ether glycol, preferably having amolecular weight from about 250 to about 3900; and mixtures thereof.

The amine-terminated curing agents may be selected from the groupconsisting of ethylene diamine; hexamethylene diamine;1-methyl-2,6-cyclohexyl diamine; tetrahydroxypropylene ethylene diamine;2,2,4- and 2,4,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexanediamine;4,4′-bis-(sec-butylamino)-dicyclohexylmethane;1,4-bis-(sec-butylamino)-cyclohexane;1,2-bis-(sec-butylamino)-cyclohexane; derivatives of4,4′-bis-(sec-butylamino)-dicyclohexylmethane; 4,4′-dicyclohexylmethanediamine; 1,4-cyclohexane-bis-(methylamine);1,3-cyclohexane-bis-(methylamine); diethylene glycoldi-(aminopropyl)ether; 2-methylpentamethylene-diamine;diaminocyclohexane; diethylene triamine; triethylene tetramine;tetraethylene pentamine; propylene diamine; 1,3-diaminopropane;dimethylamino propylamine; diethylamino propylamine;imido-bis-propylamine; monoethanolamine, diethanolamine;triethanolamine; monoisopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine;isophoronediamine; and mixtures thereof

In one embodiment, the composition further includes a catalyst that canbe selected from the group consisting of a bismuth catalyst, zincoctoate, di-butyltin dilaurate, di-butyltin diacetate, tin (II)chloride, tin (IV) chloride, di-butyltin dimethoxide,dimethyl-bis[1-oxonedecyl)oxy]stannane, di-n-octyltin bis-isooctylmercaptoacetate, triethylenediamine, triethylamine, tributylamine, oleicacid, acetic acid; delayed catalysts, and mixtures thereof The catalystmay be present from about 0.005 percent to about 1 percent by weight ofthe composition.

Any method available to one of ordinary skill in the art may be used tocombine the polyisocyanate, polyol or polyamine, and curing agent of thepresent invention. One commonly employed method, known in the art as aone-shot method, involves concurrent mixing of the polyisocyanate,polyol or polyether amine, and curing agent. This method results in amixture that is inhomogenous (more random) and affords the manufacturerless control over the molecular structure of the resultant composition.A preferred method of mixing is known as the prepolymer method. In thismethod, the polyisocyanate and the polyol or polyether amine are mixedseparately prior to addition of the curing agent. This method seems toafford a more homogeneous mixture resulting in a more consistent polymercomposition.

As mentioned above, the cover layer may also comprise ionomericmaterials, such as ionic copolymers of ethylene and an unsaturatedmonocarboxylic acid, which are available under the trademark SURLYN® ofE.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., of Wilmington, Del., or IOTEK® or ESCOR®of Exxon. These are copolymers or terpolymers of ethylene andmethacrylic acid or acrylic acid totally or partially neutralized, i.e.,from about 1 to about 100 percent, with salts of zinc, sodium, lithium,magnesium, potassium, calcium, manganese, nickel or the like. In oneembodiment, the carboxylic acid groups are neutralized from about 10percent to about 100 percent. The carboxylic acid groups may alsoinclude methacrylic, crotonic, maleic, fumaric or itaconic acid. Thesalts are the reaction product of an olefin having from 2 to 10 carbonatoms and an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms.The cover layer may also include at least one ionomer, such asacid-containing ethylene copolymer ionomers, including E/X/Y terpolymerswhere E is ethylene, X is an acrylate or methacrylate-based softeningcomonomer present in about 0 to 50 weight percent and Y is acrylic ormethacrylic acid present in about 5 to 35 weight percent. The ionomermay include so-called “low acid” and “high acid” ionomers, as well asblends thereof. In general, ionic copolymers including up to about 15percent acid are considered “low acid” ionomers, while those includinggreater than about 15 percent acid are considered “high acid” ionomers.“Low acid” ionomers may be combined with a softening comonomer such asvinyl esters of aliphatic carboxylic acids wherein the acids have 2 to10 carbon atoms, vinyl ethers wherein the alkyl groups contains 1 to 10carbon atoms, and alkyl acrylates or methacrylates wherein the alkylgroup contains 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Suitable softening comonomersinclude vinyl acetate, methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethylacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, and butyl methacrylate,and are believed to impart high spin to golf balls.

Covers comprising “high acid” ionomers are believed to impart low spinand longer distance to golf balls. A cover of the present invention maycomprise about 15 to about 35 weight percent acrylic or methacrylicacid, making the ionomer a high modulus ionomer. An additional comonomersuch as an acrylate ester (i.e., iso- or n-butylacrylate, etc.) can alsobe included to produce a softer terpolymer. The additional comonomer maybe selected from the group consisting of vinyl esters of aliphaticcarboxylic acids wherein the acids have 2 to 10 carbon atoms, vinylethers wherein the alkyl groups contains 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and alkylacrylates or methacrylates wherein the alkyl group contains 1 to 10carbon atoms. Suitable softening comonomers include vinyl acetate,methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, ethylmethacrylate, butyl acrylate, butyl methacrylate, or the like.

The core of the present invention may comprise a polymer such asionomeric copolymers and terpolymers, thermoset materials, ionomerprecursors, thermoplastics, thermoplastic elastomers, polybutadienerubber, balata, grafted metallocene-catalyzed polymers, single-sitepolymers, high-crystalline acid polymers, cationic ionomers, andmixtures thereof. The core may be colored or may be transparent ortranslucent. As used herein, and as discussed in commonly-owned U.S.Patent Publication No. 2007/0149323, previously incorporated byreference, the term “core” refers to any portion of the golf ballsurrounded by the cover.

In the case of a golf ball comprising three layers, the core is theportion including at least the inner-most center layer and theintermediate layer, also referred to as the outer core layer,immediately surrounding the center.

In accordance with the present invention, the intermediate or outer corelayer may comprise a solid polymeric material or may be a layer of woundelastomeric material. An intermediate or outer core layer comprising asolid polymeric material may be colored or may be transparent ortranslucent.

A golf ball having a core comprising two layers may be referred to as a“dual core” or a “multi-piece core.” A golf ball of the presentinvention may also comprise a multi-piece core having more than twolayers. The center of a dual core or multi-piece core may comprise asolid material or a fluid, i.e., a gas or liquid. The center mayalternatively comprise a semi-solid such as a paste or gel.

The golf ball may also contain additives, ingredients, and othermaterials in amounts that do not detract from the properties of thefinal composition. These additive materials include, but are not limitedto, activators such as calcium or magnesium oxide; fatty acids such asstearic acid and salts thereof; fillers and reinforcing agents such asorganic or inorganic particles, for example, clays, talc, calcium,magnesium carbonate, silica, aluminum silicates, zeolites, powderedmetals, and organic or inorganic fibers, plasticizers such as dialkylesters of dicarboxylic acids; surfactants; softeners; tackifiers; waxes;ultraviolet (UV) light absorbers and stabilizers; antioxidants; opticalbrighteners; whitening agents such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide;dyes and pigments; processing aids; release agents; and wetting agents.These compositions provide improved melt processability, and a balanceof ball performance.

Blowing/foaming agents may also be particularly compatible with the golfball produced by the process of the invention, including, for examplethose disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,708,654. Typical physicalfoaming/blowing agents include volatile liquids such as freons (CFCs),other halogenated hydrocarbons, water, aliphatic hydrocarbons, gases,and solid blowing agents, i.e., compounds that liberate gas as a resultof desorption of gas. Preferably, the blowing agent includes anadsorbent. Typical adsorbents include, for example, activated carbon,calcium carbonate, diatomaceous earth, and silicates saturated withcarbon dioxide.

Chemical foaming/blowing agents may be incorporated. Chemical blowingagents may be inorganic, such as ammonium carbonate and carbonates ofalkalai metals, or may be organic, such as azo and diazo compounds, suchas nitrogen-based azo compounds. Suitable azo compounds include, but arenot limited to, 2,2′-azobis(2-cyanobutane),2,2T-azobis(methylbutyronitrile), azodicarbonamide, p,p′-oxybis(benzenesulfonyl hydrazide), p-toluene sulfonyl semicarbazide, p-toluenesulfonyl hydrazide. Other blowing agents include any of the Celogens®,sold by Crompton Chemical Corporation, and nitroso compounds,sulfonylhydrazides, azides of organic acids and their analogs,triazines, tri- and tetrazole derivatives, sulfonyl semicarbazides, ureaderivatives, guanidine derivatives, and esters such as alkoxyboroxines.Other possible blowing agents include agents that liberate gasses as aresult of chemical interaction between components such as mixtures ofacids and metals, mixtures of organic acids and inorganic carbonates,mixtures of nitriles and ammonium salts, and the hydrolyticdecomposition of urea.

Alternatively, low specific gravity can be achieved by incorporating lowdensity fillers or agents such as hollow fillers or microspheres in thepolymeric matrix, where the cured composition has the preferred specificgravity. Moreover, the polymeric matrix can be foamed to decrease itsspecific gravity, microballoons, or other low density fillers asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,380 (“'380 Patent”). The '380 patent isincorporated by reference in its entirety.

A “clear” or “transparent” cover preferably has an average transmittanceof visible light (e.g., between about 380 nm and about 770 nm oralternately between about 400 nm and about 700 nm) of at least about 40percent, preferably at least about 60 percent, more preferably at leastabout 80 percent. The average transmittance referred to herein istypically measured for incident light normal (i.e., at approximately90°) to the plane of the object and can be measured using any knownlight transmission apparatus and method, e.g., a UV-Visspectrophotometer. A golf ball of the invention may comprise covers thatare either entirely or partially clear or transparent as well.

A “translucent” cover preferably has an average transmittance of visiblelight (e.g., between about 380 nm and about 770 nm or alternatelybetween about 400 nm and about 700 nm) of at least about 10 percent,preferably at least about 20 percent, more preferably at least about 30percent. A golf ball of the invention may comprise covers that areeither entirely or partially translucent as well.

In one embodiment, the transparent or translucent cover comprises aplurality of dimples on its surface as well as surface off-sets otherthan dimples. The surface off-sets may be artifacts from the casting ormolding of the cover. For example, during injection molding, a golf ballcore or precursor is placed within a molding cavity comprising twohemispheres. The core or precursor is supported by pins so that itmaintains its position in the center of the golf ball. Molten covermaterial is then injected into the molding cavity through apertures orgates and surrounds the core or precursor to harden and form the cover.As the molten cover material envelops the core or precursor, thesupporting pins retract, allowing the molten material to fill in thecavities created by the pins. The retraction of the pins often causesthe formation of “witness lines” on the cover about the area where thepins meet the mold. Likewise, during compression molding of a cover, aparting line may form along the equator of the golf ball. In accordancewith the present invention, the witness lines created on the cover bythe injection molding process or the parting line resulting fromcompression molding may be maintained on the clear or translucent coverto create unique visual effects, such as the enhancement of shadows onthe core of the ball.

In other embodiments, these artifacts from the manufacturing process maybe removed by post-mold finishing processes such as vibration tumbling.

Other non-limiting examples of surface off-sets include a molded stripe,which can be co-molded to provide the stripe with a color different thanthe core or the intermediate layer, so that the ball may identified as apractice ball; a molded line to aid in putting alignment; logos orindicia; raised text or indicia; great circles; lines or line segments;polygons or other shapes; arcs or curves; or text. The molded elementsdescribed above may be depressed into the cover or may rise asprojections away from the surface of the cover.

The surface of the golf ball may also include optically active sitesdetectable by a ball-launching mechanism to allow for launch monitortesting. The sites may be reflective in the visible or invisible range.

In another embodiment of the current invention, the cover may be cast orcompression molded. This process involves the joining of two coverhemispheres at an equator. Additionally, other inventive aspects of thepresent invention, such as a cover comprising a transparent ortranslucent material and having an amount of pigment or dye or an amountof reflective particulates, may be incorporated into only one hemisphereof the golf ball cover.

Dye or pigment may be added to the cover material to create a golf ballhaving a translucent colored cover. In the case of a golf ball withdepressions molded into the cover, the addition of dye to the clearcover material can help to enhance the shadow effect of the depressionsincorporated on the surface of the cover. The dye may be a fluorescentdye.

In one aspect of the present invention, dyes or pigments may be added toany or all layers of the golf ball including, but not limited to, thecover and the core, the intermediate layer and any coating as well. Thedyes or pigments may be inorganic or organic. In one embodiment, thepigments include effect pigments.

According to another embodiment, the cover may comprise reflectiveparticulates to create the effect of sparkle, glitter, pearlescence oriridescence. The cover may contain reflective or optically activeparticulates such as described by Murphy in U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,378which is incorporated herein by reference. Pearlescent pigments sold bythe Mearle Corporation can also be used in this way. The reflectivematerial may comprise at least one member selected from the groupconsisting of metal flake, iridescent glitter, metalized film andcolored polyester foil.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the core may comprise aswirled color pattern achieved by mixing materials of different colorsor different color shades during the manufacture of the core. Theswirled pattern of the core can be created using the method described inU.S. Pat. No. 2,283,845, which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

In a variation of the above embodiment, the core may be a multi-piececore having a center and an outer core layer visible through thetransparent or translucent cover. Preferably, the outer core layer has aswirled appearance. The outer swirled core layer may comprise moldedrubber or thermoplastic halves having a swirled pattern. The center ofthe multi-piece core may comprise rubber or a blend thereof, rubberregrind, filler, foam, liquid, or other suitable materials.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the core may be formedfrom a slug or prep or perform made from multiple segments ofdifferently color shaded material. The slug may comprise at least threedifferently color shaded segments, and each color shade segment accountsfor at least five percent of the total color coverage of the golf ball.The multi-color shaded slug is molded to form a multi-colored core.

The core may include a plurality of surface off-sets including ridges,raised edges, points or other projections on its outer surface. Theclear or translucent cover is molded around the core by casting,injection molding, compression molding or other methods. The projectionson the outer surface of the core provide more surface area for theadherence of the cover, decreasing the possibility of the separation ordelamination of the cover from the core. The surface of the core mayalso include a plurality of depressions or valleys, also increasingsurface area and so providing for better adhesion of the cover. Theresulting ball is more durable than golf balls comprising smooth cores.

A golf ball of the present invention may alternatively comprise a clearor translucent cover, a core and an intermediate layer including aplurality of surface off-sets including ridges, raised edges, points orother projections on its outer surface. The clear or translucent coveris molded around the intermediate layer by casting, injection molding,compression molding or other methods. As in the above embodiment, theprojections on the outer surface of the intermediate layer provide moresurface area for the adherence of the cover, decreasing the possibilityof the separation or delamination of the cover and core.

The transparent or translucent cover of the present invention mayadditionally act as a lens, magnifying the appearance of the core orintermediate layer below. Any text, logo or design printed on the coreor intermediate layer will then also be magnified. More particularly,the transparent or translucent cover comprises a polymeric materialhaving a magnification factor from about 2× to about 5× to make text orother markings printed on the surface of the layer immediately beneaththe cover appear larger than its actual size. The actual size of anytext or markings is typically small given the limited amount of space onthe surface of the golf ball layer. Because a player may not be able toeasily discern the fine text or marking, it is advantageous to magnifythe physical appearance of the indicia. The magnified appearance of thecore or intermediate layer or any marking on the surface of the core orintermediate layer may also enhance a player's ability to visualize theball, and hence may improve a player's ability to strike the ball in thedesired location.

The golf balls of the present invention may be painted, coated, orsurface treated for further benefits. For example, trademarks or otherindicia may be printed, i.e., pad-printed, transfer printed, decal orink jet printed, on the inner layer such that they are visible throughthe translucent cover. Protective and decorative coating materials, aswell as methods of applying such materials to the surface of a golf ballcover, are well known in the golf ball art. Generally, such coatingmaterials comprise urethanes, urethane hybrids, epoxies, polyesters andacrylics. If desired, more than one coating layer can be used. Furtherdiscussion of finishing treatments may be found in parent applicationSer. No. 11/707,493, which was previously incorporated by reference inits entirety.

Table I below illustrates several non-limiting embodiments of theinvention. Specifically, Table I displays the construction and overallgolf ball CIECAM color appearance model color characteristics for fiveprophetic golf balls GB I-GBV. GB I is a 1 piece golf ball wherein thecore contributes a pink pigment to the overall golf ball color and thecoating contributes a pink tint to the overall golf ball forming a golfball having an overall golf ball pink color defined by the CIECAM ColorModel characteristics a=72, b=13, h=10°, J=44 and C=73. GB II is acoated 2 piece golf ball wherein the core contributes a pink pigment tothe overall golf ball color, the cover contributes a pink dye to theoverall golf ball color, and the coating contributes a pink tint to theoverall golf ball forming a golf ball having an overall golf ball pinkcolor defined by the CIECAM Color Model characteristics a=74, b=16.h=12°, J=35, and C=76. GB III is a 2 pi golf ball wherein the corecontributes a purple pigment to the overall golf ball color and thecover is translucent, forming a golf ball having an overall golf ballpurple color defined by the CIECAM Color Model characteristics a=33,b=−32, h=316°, J=46, and C=47. GB IV is a 3 piece golf ball wherein thecore is opaque, the intermediate layer contributes a purple pigment tothe overall golf ball color and the cover is transparent to form a golfball having an overall purple golf ball color defined by the CIECAMColor Model characteristics a=39, b=−21. h=331°, J=31, and C=44.Finally, GB V is a 3 piece golf ball wherein the core is opaque, theintermediate layer contributes a purple pigment to the overall golf ballcolor and the cover is pearlescent with a purple tinted coating to forma golf ball having an overall purple golf ball color defined by theCIECAM Color Model characteristics a=52, b=−26. h=334°, J=50, and C=58.

While the examples in Table I include pink or purple pigments, dyes ortints, the present invention contemplates that any color may be used inany of the core, intermediate layer, cover or a coating which willcombine within the golf ball construction to create an over golf ballcolor within the CIECAM Color Model characteristic ranges disclosedherein and that many different colors may be simultaneously discernableby the human eye due to the color effects incorporated in the golf ballof the invention. By non-limiting example, it is envisioned that a bluemay be combined with a red which creates an over all golf ball color ofpurple within the CIECAM Color Model characteristic ranges disclosedherein. Meanwhile, the same golf ball may also have an appearance ofseveral other different colors due to the interplay of the color effectsin the golf ball with visible light.

TABLE I OVERALL GOLF BALL CIECAM COLOR CHARACTERISTICS FOR FIVE GOLFBALL CONSTRUCTIONS Golf Ball GB V Construction & GB II GB IV PurpleOverall GB GB I Pink GB III Purple Coated CIECAM Color Pink 1 CoatedPurple Multi-layer Multilayer Characteristcs Piece 2 piece GB 2 Piece GBGB GB Core Pink Pink Purple Opaque Opaque pigment pigment pigmentIntermediate N/A N/A N/A Purple Purple Layer pigment pigment Cover N/APink dye Translucent Transparent Pearlescent Coating Pink tint Pink tintN/A N/A Purple Tint a 72 74 33 39 52 b 13 16 −32 −21 −26 h° 10 12 316331 334 J 44 35 46 31 50 C 73 76 47 44 58

Unless otherwise expressly specified, all of the numerical ranges,amounts, values and percentages such as those for amounts of materials,and others in the specification may be read as if prefaced by the word“about” even though the term “about” may not expressly appear with thevalue, amount or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary,the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attachedclaims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desiredproperties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the veryleast, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine ofequivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter shouldat least be construed in light of the number of reported significantdigits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forththe broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numericalvalues set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely aspossible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certainerrors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective testing measurements. Furthermore, when numerical ranges ofvarying scope are set forth herein, it is contemplated that anycombination of these values inclusive of the recited values may be used.

While it is apparent that the illustrative embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein fulfill the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention, it is appreciated that numerous modifications and otherembodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art. Examples of suchmodifications include reasonable variations of the numerical valuesand/or materials and/or components discussed above. Hence, the numericalvalues stated above and claimed below specifically include those valuesand the values that are approximate to those stated and claimed values.Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are intendedto cover all such modifications and embodiments, which would come withinthe spirit and scope of the present invention.

The invention described and claimed herein is not to be limited in scopeby the specific embodiments herein disclosed, since these embodimentsare intended as illustrations of several aspects of the invention. Anyequivalent embodiments are intended to be within the scope of thisinvention. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition tothose shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilledin the art from the foregoing description. For example, the compositionsof the present invention may be used in a variety of equipment. Suchmodifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appendedclaims.

While any of the embodiments herein may have any known dimple number andpattern, a preferred number of dimples is 252 to 456, and morepreferably is 328 to 392. The dimples may comprise any width, depth, andedge angle and patterns which satisfy the relationships defined betweencover layers as disclosed herein. The parting line configuration of saidpattern may be either a straight line or a staggered wave parting line(SWPL). In one embodiment, the golf ball has 328, 330, 332, or 392dimples, comprises 5 to 7 dimples sizes, and the parting line is a SWPL.

In any of these embodiments the single-layer core may be replaced with atwo or more layer core wherein at least one core layer has a negativehardness gradient. Other than in the operating examples, or unlessotherwise expressly specified, all of the numerical ranges, amounts,values and percentages such as those for amounts of materials and othersin the specification may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” eventhough the term “about” may not expressly appear with the value, amountor range.

Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parametersset forth in the specification and attached claims are approximationsthat may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to beobtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as anattempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to thescope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least beconstrued in light of the number of reported significant digits and byapplying ordinary rounding techniques.

1. A golf ball comprising a core of at least one layer, a cover of atleast one layer and optionally at least one intermediate layer disposedbetween the core and the cover, wherein at least one of the core, coverand intermediate layer comprises a color effect providing pigmentcomprising at least one of: (1) calcium aluminum borosilicate coatedwith a metal oxide; (2) silicon dioxide platelets coated with metaloxide; and (3) an iron oxide pigment substrate coated with a metaloxide.
 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the color effect providingpigment has a particle size of from about 5 μm to about 200 μm.
 3. Thegolf ball of claim 1, wherein the color effect providing pigment has aparticle size of from about 10 μm to about 100 μm
 4. The golf ball ofclaim 1, wherein the color effect providing pigment has a particle sizeof from about 5 μm to about 50 μm.
 5. The golf ball of claim 1, whereinthe color effect providing pigment has a particle size of from about 20μm to about 200 μm.
 6. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the coloreffect providing pigment has a particle size of from about 15 μm toabout 20 μm.
 7. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the layer comprisingthe color effect providing pigment further comprises a thermoplasticmaterial.
 8. The golf ball of claims 1, wherein the layer comprising thecolor effect providing pigment further comprises a thermoset material.9. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the layer comprising the coloreffect providing pigment further comprises an ionomer material.
 10. Thegolf ball of claim 1, wherein the layer comprising the color effectproviding pigment further comprises a highly neutralized polymermaterial.
 11. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the golf ball has acoefficient of restitution of about 0.780 or greater.
 12. The golf ballof claim 1, wherein the layer comprising the color effect providingpigment has a Mooney viscosity of from about 30 to about
 130. 13. Thegolf ball of claim 1, wherein the golf ball has a compression of fromabout 25 to about
 110. 14. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the layercomprising the color effect providing pigment has a moisture vaportransmission rate of from about 0.45 grams·mm/m²·day to about 1.5grams·mm/m² day.
 15. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the layercomprising the color effect providing pigment has a moisture vaportransmission rate of about 0.95 grams·mm/m²·day or greater.
 16. The golfball of claim 1, wherein at least one color of the golf ball further hasa J lightness value expressed in the CIE CIECAM color system and a Cchroma value expressed in the CIE CIECAM color system.
 17. The golf ballof claim 1, wherein at least one color for the golf ball has an a* andb* value expressed within the CIE LAB color model.
 18. The golf ball ofclaim 1, wherein the cover comprises a material selected from the groupcomprising polyurethanes, polyureas, and ionomer resins.
 19. The golfball of claim 1, wherein the color effect providing pigment furthercomprises at least one of a pigment, a dye and a tint.
 20. The golf ballof claim 19, wherein at least one of the pigment, dye and tint isfluorescent.
 21. The golf ball of claim 19, wherein at least one of thepigment, dye and tint is inorganic.
 22. The golf ball of claim 19,wherein at least one of the pigment, dye and tint is organic.
 23. Thegolf ball of claim 1, wherein the cover further comprises particulatematerial selected from the group comprising metal flake, iridescentglitter, metalized film and colored polyester foil.
 24. The golf ball ofclaim 1, wherein the cover comprises a material which is at leastpartially transparent, translucent or pearlescent.
 25. The golf ball ofclaim 1, wherein the cover and the intermediate layer comprise amaterial which is at least partially transparent, translucent orpearlescent.
 26. A golf ball comprising: a core of at least one layer, acover comprising an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer; andoptionally at least one intermediate layer disposed between the core andthe cover; said inner cover layer comprising or being surface-coatedwith an effect or luster pigment which contributes to the colorappearance of the ball; said outer cover layer being at least partiallytransparent; wherein the effect or luster pigment comprises at least oneof: (1) calcium aluminum borosilicate coated with a metal oxide; (2)silicon dioxide platelets coated with metal oxide; and (3) an iron oxidepigment substrate coated with a metal oxide.
 27. The golf ball of claim26, wherein the color effect providing pigment has a particle size offrom about 5 μm to about 200 μm.
 28. The golf ball of claim 1, whereinthe color effect providing pigment further comprises at least one of apigment, a dye and a tint.
 29. The golf ball of claim 28, wherein atleast one of the pigment, dye and tint is fluorescent.
 30. The golf ballof claim 28, wherein at least one of the pigment, dye and tint isinorganic.
 31. The golf ball of claim 28, wherein at least one of thepigment, dye and tint is organic.
 32. A golf ball comprising: a core ofat least one layer; a cover of at least one layer; optionally at leastone intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover; and apaint layer on a surface of at least one of the core, cover andintermediate layer; said paint layer comprising a color effect providingpigment comprising at least one of: (1) calcium aluminum borosilicatecoated with a metal oxide; (2) silicon dioxide platelets coated withmetal oxide; and (3) an iron oxide pigment substrate coated with a metaloxide.
 33. The golf ball of claim 32, wherein the color effect providingpigment has a particle size of from about 5 μm to about 200 μm.
 34. Thegolf ball of claim 32, wherein the color effect providing pigmentfurther comprises at least one of a pigment, a dye and a tint.
 35. Thegolf ball of claim 34, wherein at least one of the pigment, dye and tintis fluorescent.
 36. The golf ball of claim 34, wherein at least one ofthe pigment, dye and tint is inorganic.
 37. The golf ball of claim 34,wherein at least one of the pigment, dye and tint is organic.
 38. A golfball comprising a core and a cover, the cover comprising a markedsurface portion and an unmarked surface portion, said marked surfaceportion being marked with lettering or a design comprising a coloreffect providing pigment comprising at least one of: (1) calciumaluminum borosilicate coated with a metal oxide; (2) silicon dioxideplatelets coated with metal oxide; and (3) an iron oxide pigmentsubstrate coated with a metal oxide.
 39. The golf ball of claim 38,wherein the color effect providing pigment has a particle size of fromabout 5 μm to about 200 μm.
 40. The golf ball of claim 38, wherein thecolor effect providing pigment further comprises at least one of apigment, a dye and a tint.
 41. The golf ball of claim 40, wherein atleast one of the pigment, dye and tint is fluorescent.
 42. The golf ballof claim 40, wherein at least one of the pigment, dye and tint isinorganic.
 43. The golf ball of claim 40, wherein at least one of thepigment, dye and tint is organic.
 44. A golf ball comprising a core anda cover, the cover comprising a marked surface portion and an unmarkedsurface portion, said marked surface portion being marked with letteringor a design comprising a color effect providing pigment comprising atleast one of: (1) calcium aluminum borosilicate coated with a metaloxide; (2) silicon dioxide platelets coated with metal oxide; and (3) aniron oxide pigment substrate coated with a metal oxide; wherein saidmarked surface portion appears as a different color to the human eyethan the unmarked portion of the cover outer surface.
 45. The golf ballof claim 44, wherein the color effect providing pigment has a particlesize of from about 5 μm to about 200 μm.
 46. The golf ball of claim 44,wherein the color effect providing pigment further comprises at leastone of a pigment, a dye and a tint.
 47. The golf ball of claim 46,wherein at least one of the pigment, dye and tint is fluorescent. 48.The golf ball of claim 46, wherein at least one of the pigment, dye andtint is inorganic.
 49. The golf ball of claim 46, wherein at least oneof the pigment, dye and tint is organic.